News and commentary about the reigning royal houses of the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Spain, Monaco -- and the former European monarchies as well.

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Monday, March 31, 2014

Prince George of Russia, who died at New York on November 7, has left a "net estate of $10,070, reports the New York Times.

The transfer-tax appraisal was filed today. The full name provided in the official documents was listed as George Constantinovich Romanoff. He was the third son of the late Grand Duke Kontantin Konstantovich of Russia.

Prince George's gross estate before "debts, funeral and administrative expenses" was $22,734. He was $10,364 in debts. His assets included securities valued at $15,120 and jewelry "worth $1,327.

The heir to his estate is his sister, Princess Vera Constantinova Romanoff, who lives in Germany. She will receive a direct payment.

A man who claimed to the missing Archduke Johann Salvator of Austria, died today in a Bronx, New York, hospital, reports the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Archduke Johann Salvator disappeared from Austria in 1889, and "was supposed to have died in a steamship wreck a year later."

New York City's "official records" show the dead man to be "the former Austrian Archduke," although he was reported to have died "on many occasions in different parts of the world.

Dr. John Grimley, who looked after the "distinguished looking old gentleman,: is convinced that his patient was the archduke because "of his apparent intimate knowledge of European courts.
The death certificate signed by Dr. Grimley "carries the name of Johann Salvator", and not that of "O.N. Orlow, as he was known here for twenty-five years."

Society photographer, Mrs. Charles H. Fairchild," to reporters that she had :discovered" the former archduke about a year ago. He admitted to her his real identify. He said the real reason for his "flight from Vienna" was that he had "blackened the eyes" of Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, for "applyng a vile name to his mother."

He said he broke his sword and threw the pieces "at the feet of the emperor," where he "stalked from the palace," and refused his "soldiers' proffer to place him on the throne." He said he left Austria forever.

He told Mrs. Fairchild that he invented the shipwreck story, in order to "end forever any attempt to have him returned to Vienna."

In 1909, an Ohio machinist, Jean Orth, claimed to be the missing archduke.

Archduke Johann Salvator was declared dead by a Vienna court in 1911, stating he had died on July 21, 1890.

He was the youngest son of Leopoldo II, Grand Duke of Tuscany and Princess Maria Antonia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Princess Anne Marie of Denmark will soon become the youngest queen in the world, although at age 17, she is too young to marry under Danish law, reports United Press.

When Princess Anne Marie, youngest daughter of King Frederik IX, marries King Constantine II of Greece, 23, they will become "the youngest couple to share a European throne this century."

The wedding is expected to take place after the official mourning period for Constantine's father, King Paul, ends on June 6. If the wedding takes place before Anne-Marie's 18th birthday on August 30, she will have to ask for a 'King's letter,' giving "Danish girls under 18 special permission to marry."

Princess Anne-Marie and King Constantine II share common descent from King Christian IX of Denmark and Britain's Queen Victoria.

It appears to be love at first sight for Grand Duke Dimitri of Russia and Miss Alice Durham of Boston, reports the New York Times.

The Grand Duke, a first cousin of Nicholas II, has apparently made an offer to "renounce his imperial rights" to marry Miss Durham.

The couple met recently at a skating rink in St. Petersburg. Miss Durham is said to be "a bewitching beauty of slender figure and delicate manners."

Grand Duke Dimitri "fell in love with her at first sight," and has since then availed himself "of every opportunity to meet her."

Dimitri's father, Grand Duke Paul, was banished from Court after contracting a mésalliance with Mme. Pistolkers. Dimitri's mother, Princess Alexandra of Greece died shortly after giving birth to him. After his father's second marriage, Dimitri and his older sister, Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, were raised by Grand Duke Serge and Grand Duchess Elisabeth.

He is "chief of the sharpshooters of the bodyguard," and is said to be a "brilliant" horseman and a "crack shot in the Russian Army."

Prince Jaime of Bourbon, brother of Princess Alice, has given an interview to the Warsaw Courier on "the subject of the historical necklace," which the Princess reported stolen.

A French newspaper, Petit Temps, published the interview, according to The New York Times.

Prince Jaime told the newspaper that the necklace was "fraudulently obtained" on March 11 from a Paris jeweler. Princess Alice had brought the necklace there to be repaired.

The person who "obtained the necklace," is said to be a Belgian, who claimed he was an intermediary between the Princess and the jeweler. He was able to persuade the jeweler to give him the necklace after showing him purported correspondence from the Princess giving him the "authority to receive it."

The Belgian man has since disappeared, and is believed to have passed the "necklace to persons in England."

The necklace, which once belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette, is valued at $100,000.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Russian Court officials are "greatly exercised" over a St. Petersburg report that young Grand Duke Dimitri "had made an offer" to Emperor Nicholas II "to renounce his imperial rights" because he wants to marry a "handsome American girl, Miss Durham."

The New York Times is reporting that the Grand Duke recently met Miss Durham, who came to St. Petersburg "with a party of American friends."

This situation is "aggravated by the fact" that Grand Duke Dimitri is the "prospective husband" of Nicholas' second daughter, Grand Duchess Tatiana

Only last week, Grand Duke Dimitri was "banished from Russia" it was stated that it was because of his "youthful infatuation" for Princess Belosselsky, the former Susie Whittier of Boston.

There have been whispers that the Nicholas and his consort, Alexandra, had considered Dimitri as a "good match for one of their daughters." They were said to be "very angry" when they heard the rumors about Dimitri's alleged relationship with the Princess.

He was "abruptly ordered" to leave the country, and not return to Russia for four months."

Grand Duke Dimitri is the son of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich, and the late Princess Alexandra of Greece. He is a first cousin of Nicholas II.

Grand Duchess Tatiana is said to be a "quiet, obedient and affectionate girl," with little time for frivolities. A dispatch to the Daily Mail last August stated she was "expected" to marry Prince Carol of Romania.

The "most famous diamond necklace" in the world and owned by Princess Alice de Bourbon, has been stolen, according to the Chicago Daily Tribune.

The necklace, valued at $400,000, once belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France.

Before Princess Alice left Paris, she deposited the necklace with a "well-known jeweler. Not long afterward, a person "calling himself a confidential messenger from the princess" went to the jewelers, where he "presented credentials" and was given the necklace.

The thief is believed to be a "Belgian engineer with whom the princess had been negotiating for the purchase of a villa." He has received several commissions from Princess Alice's brother, Prince Jaime.

When the robbery was discovered, the "police of all the great European cities" were notified. A search for the thief is now being made.

A large reward is being offered for the return of the valuable necklace.

The necklace was first ordered for Madame du Barry, "negotiated by Cardinal de Rohan through an intermediary, believed to be the "adventuress countess de LaMotte."

Queen Marie Antoinette was unjustly believed to be involved with the negotiations. The Cardinal was "duped" by the queen's faux signature.

The entire French court became involved in the "scandal and was discredited."

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The condition of Prince Laurent of Belgium is said to be improving, according to Belgian broadcaster RTL-TV. Prince Laurent, the youngest child of King Albert, remains under sedation and in an artificial coma. He entered the hospital eight days ago, and is being treated for a severe case of infectious pneumonia.

Doctors placed the prince in an artificial coma to all him to rest and respond to treatment.

Princess Claire has been visiting her husband every day. On Wednesday, she came without the couple's three children.

Father Gilbert, the Roman Catholic priest who officiated at their wedding in 2003, is expected to visit Prince Laurent tomorrow (Thursday) at the suggestion of Laurent's older sister, Princess Astrid.

Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna had a "narrow escape" from a bear during a hunting party at Gatchina, which she and her husband, Grand Duke Wladimir, recently hosted.

According to the New York Times, the Grand Duchess "killed one bear," and then shot another." This second bear, wounded and "enraged" struck back, attacking one of the beaters, ripping his clothing and "tearing his shoulder."

The bear rose to "his full height, over six feet," and rushed toward the Grand Duchess. As the bear charged toward her, the Grand Duchess, remaining in full control with the "presence of mind," managed to take off her fur coat, "which impeded her free movement," and raised her gun and fired. The bullet was a direct hit between the eyes of the bear.

Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna received many "compliments" on her courageousness.

Archduke Heinrich Karl Maria of Austria, Count von Kyburg, died on March 20th at the age of 89.

Copyright: Arturo Beeche/Eurohistory.com

Archduke Heinrich was the younger son of Archduke Maximilian of Austria (1895-1952) and Princess Franziska of Hohenlohe-Waldenburg-Schillingsfürst. Archduke Maximilian's older brother was Emperor Karl I, the last Emperor of Austria.

On October 17, 1961 at Munster, Heinrich married Countess Ludmilla von Galen.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Prince Laurent of Belgium has been transferred to the intensive care unit at St. Luc-University Hospital in Brussels, according to numerous Belgian media sources.

Pierre-Emmanuel de Bauw, a spokesman for the royal palace, will only conform that Prince Laurent, younger brother of King Philippe, remains in the hospital. "It is a matter concerning the private life of the Prince and his family," he told the press,

Earlier today, however, de Bauw provided further information, stating that Prince Laurent is suffering from pneumonia, and has been placed in an artificial coma. Prince Laurent's condition is "stable," said the Palace.

On Monday, Prince Laurent received a visit from King Philippe. This morning, Queen Mathilde "went to his bedside."

One doctor, who is not treating Prince Laurent, told the media that is is not unusual to use this treatment for patients with pneumonia. But it is an "exception procedure, reserved for rare cases where the patient cannot tolerate the respirator."

This is done only for "severe cases," because doctors do not wish to prescribe sedatives that can "extend the physical and intellectual weakness of the patient."

"Overall, with a deep coma, the mortality rate is 25%, but I do not know Prince's Laurent's specific case," stated Dr. Jean Louis Vincent, head of intensive care at ULB hospital.

King Albert and Queen Paola are abroad but remain in constant contact with Princess Claire," Pierre-Emmanuel de Bauw told the Belga news agency.

"Princess Astrid, who recently returned from a trade mission to Saudi Arabia, is also in close contact with Princess Claire," he said.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Surrounded by his wife and sons, the Prince of Bentheim-Tecklenburg died on March 21 died peacefully at his retirement home, Alterswohnsitz Kloster Herzebrock. He was 91 years old.

HSH Prince Moritz-Casimir Widukind Gumprecht was born on October 12, 1923 at Schloss Rheda, the eldest child of Adolf, Prince of Bentheim-Tecklenburg and Princess Amélie of Schönburg-Waldenburg. In July 1958, he married Countess Huberta "Sissi" von Hardenberg.

He is survived by his widow, and three sons, Carl-Gustav, Philipp, and Maximilian, and four grandchildren.

In 1999, Prince Carl-Gustav renounced his rights in favor of his younger brothest brother, Maximilian.

The third son, Prince Christoph was killed in a car crash in July 1987 as he was en route to joining the military

The funeral will take place on April 5.

Maximilian (1969) succeeds as the new Prince of Bentheim-Tecklenburg. He is married to Briton Marissa Clare Fortescue. They have four children: Hereditary Prince Moritz, who will celebrate his 11th birthday on March 27, Princess Louise, 8, Princess Amalia, 6 and Carl-Emil, 3.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Several Belgian sources are reporting that Prince Laurent of Belgium is suffering from severe depression. VTM has been informed that Prince Laurent is under the care of Saint Luc-University Hospital's psychiatric unit.

Prince Laurent's wife, Princess Claire, spends a lot of time each day at the hospital.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

King Peter II of Yugoslavia married Princess Alexandra of Greece today in a "long-awaited and often-postponed" ceremony.

The couple were married at the Yugoslav Legation. The marriage could "stir up political developments in the Balkans," reports the New York Times.

The couple's engagement was announced in 1942, there have been numerous "political squabbles in Yugoslavia." Serbs, who hold most of the power, have been opposed to the marriage on the grounds that a marriage made in exile by the King would not be "received well" by his people.

On the other hand, the Croatians and Slovenes, are in favor of the marriage as a "political expedient."

Princess Alexandra, 23, was dressed in a white gown and "wore her hair in a rolled halo, with a white flower spray almost hiding her miniature skull cap." The 21-year-old King Peter, who wore the "light blue uniform of the Yugoslav Air Force," appeared "slightly shorter than his tall, slim dark bride."

The wedding ceremony took place in a "flower-bowered room" by the priests representing the Serbian and Greek Orthodox churches. The wedding rings were placed "on their fingers," by Peter's godfather, King George VI.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom were kissed by King George and Queen Elizabeth. Before the marriage ceremony, the wedding crowns were placed "firmly on the heads of the couple," and not held over their heads, which is the usual custom.

At the end of the wedding, the bride and groom walked around the altar three times, followed by King George VI and King George II of the Hellenes, both of whom carried lighted candles.

Other royal guests at the wedding included King Haakon of Norway, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Prince Bernhard, Princess Aspasia, the bride's mother, the Duchess of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester.

Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands died "early today," at the Hague, reports international press agencies.

The widow of King Willem III and mother of Queen Wilhelmina, was 75 years old.

The cause of death was bronchitis.

Princess Emma of Waldeck und Pyrmont was only 20 years old when she became the second wife of King Willem III. When he died in 1890, she was named as regent for their only child, Wilhelmina. She remained the Regent until Queen Wilhelmina reached her 18th birthday in 1898.

The Dowager queen was held in "high regard" by the Dutch people, due to her "kindness, sincerity and good works."

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden, King Frederik IX of Denmark, King Olav of Norway and King Baudouin of the Belgians attended the funeral earlier today of Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, reports Reuters.

Princess Ingeborg, once known as the 'mother-in-law' of Europe, died on March 12.

The four kings, with Queen Louise of Sweden and Queen Ingrid of Denmark, sat in the front row of the Great Church in Stockholm's royal palace, along with Princess Ingeborg's two surviving children, Prince Carl Bernadotte and Princess Margaretha of Denmark.

Other members of the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish royal families were also present for the funeral and for the burial at Haga Castle. The princess was buried in the royal family's burial ground.

Princess Ingeborg of Denmark married Prince Carl of Sweden in 1897. They had four children: Prince Carl, Princess Margaretha, who married Prinxe Axel of Denmark, Princess Martha (who married Crown Prince Olav of Norway), Princess Astrid (the wife of King Leopold III of the Belgians.

King Peter II of Yugoslavia will marry Princess Alexandra, daughter of the late King Alexander of the Hellenes, tomorrow in London, reports the Associated Press.

The official announcement was made earlier today by the Yugoslav Embassy in London.

The witnesses for the wedding will be King George VI, who is King Peter's godfather, and King George II of the Hellenes, the bride's uncle.

Other guests at the wedding include Queen Elizabeth, King Haakon of Norway, Crown Prince Olav of Norway, Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Duchess of Kent, Prince Tomislav and Prince Andrej of Yugoslavia, the younger brothers of King Peter, and Princess Aspasia of Greece, the mother of the bride.

The Yugoslav Embassy stated that "it was advised of the wedding in a telegram from the Yugoslav Prime Minister, Bozidar Pouritch in London."

King Peter's mother, Queen Marie, will not be able to attend the wedding "because of illness."

Dowager Queen Emma of the Netherlands is in "critical condition" tonight, reports the Associated Press from Amsterdam.

The mother of Queen Wilhelmina is suffering from bronchitis. Queen Wilhelmina and her daughter, Princess Juliana are spending the night at the palace due to the seriousness of the Dowager Queen's illness.

At the recent court ball, hosted by Emperor Franz Josef, at Schonbrunn, the Duchess of Hohenberg, the morganatic wife of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, "took her place in the ranks of the reigning family," reports the Marquise de Fontenoy.

According to the new precedence "accorded to her last fall," the Duchess walked into the ball after all the married archduchesses, including Archduchess Maria Annunciata, although a "spinster, ranks as a married woman" due to her position as abbess of the Noble Ladies of Hradschin, a convent in Prague. The Duchess preceded all the unmarried archduchesses and princesses, including the three daughters of Archduke Leopold Salvator, Princess Olga of Cumberland, and the two daughters of Archduchess Isabella.

Previously, the Duchess of Hohenberg was "obliged to make way for all women, married and unmarried," include distaff members of mediatized families. Now they are "obliged to make way for her."

It seems certain now that when Archduke Franz Ferdinand succeeds to the throne he will "further advance his wife" where she will have precedence "superior" to all the archduchesses, married or unmarried.

This ball also marked the first time that the young Archduchess Zita, wife of Archduke Karl, second in line to the throne, appeared in "her capacity as first lady of the land," supplanting her aunt, Archduchess Maria Annuciata, the abbess.

Archduchess Zita received all the wives of the "newly accredited ambassadors, as well as the presentation of all the debutantes.

The archduchess will continue in this role, taking the place of the late Empress Elisabeth, as the "ranking lady of the dual monarchy."

Diplomatic circles are reporting that the Duke of the Abruzzi has "intimated: that King Vittorio Emanule will give formal consent to his marriage to Miss Katherine Elkins will come after March 20, according to the New York Times.

Until the receipt of "this all important message," there can be no engagement, "however satisfactory the understanding" between the young couple might be."

Reports from Rome that a marriage "was shortly to be arranged" between the Duke and Princess Patricia of Connaught is said to be a mistake. The member of the Italian royal family "whose hand and heart are to be formally offered to the British in the next few weeks" is the Count of Turin, the Duke's elder brother.

Miss Elkin's family has denied a April 2 wedding date as "totally without foundation.

Senator and Mrs. Elkins continue to maintain a "dignified silence," respect8ng the "reported engagement" between their daughter and the Duke of the Abruzzi.

The Duke remains at the Italian embassy in Washington, D.C., although his presence is said to be incognito. Miss Elkins joined Baroness Mayor des Blanches, the wife of the Italian ambassador, for tea. Earlier today, the Duke had lunch at the Elkins' home on K Street in Washington, D.C.

Monday, March 17, 2014

I will celebrate my 60th birthday in June. For the past few months, I have thought about options on where to do. The original plan was to fly to London in May for a few days, then head to Dubrovnik for a few days, travel by bus to see more of Montenegro, and perhaps make it to Albania, and the back to London and home.

Unfortunately, that trip will not happen. Perhaps next year. Too costly, especially the airfare. Utterly astonished by how expensive it is to fly to London. Only three airlines fly direct from D.C., to London: United Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Not a lot of competition. I check the airlines' websites every day, and add Delta, American and USAir.. If I book American, I go on British Airways. USAir flies out of Philadelphia. Done this route several times. A good option because I don't have to travel out to Dulles. DCA - Philadelphia -London.

BA has an agreement with AARP, with a small discount for AARP members. I have also tried CheapoAir (used it last year to book my flight to Belgrade) , Vayama, Expedia, AAA, among others.

I hope to book the flight by next week.

I will be in London for my birthday, which is the same day as the Trooping of the Colour. Guess where I will be. Meeting friends for dinner.

Thanks to the horror of the airfare, I won't be eating out for most of my vacation. Take out at Marks & Spencer, and eat in hotel room. A few day trips are planned. Sudeley Castle is at the top of my list. Hardwick Hall, too, which is about two hours by train from London.

I tease my students about placing a tips jar on my desk when they come and ask me for something.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

An amazing wedding group: the wedding at Bronnbach on November 23, 1920 - the marriage between then Hereditary Prince Franz Joseph of Thurn und Taxis and Infanta Elisabeth of Portugal, daughter of Miguel, Duke of Braganza, and Princess Therese of Lowenstein-Wertheim Rosenberg.

Seriously, how was Archduchess Margarethe of Austria, the wife of the Prince of Thurn und Taxis, breathe ... look at that waist.

Archduchess Margarethe (1870-1955) was the daughter of Archduke Josef of Austria and Princess Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. She married at Budapest on July 15, 1890 to Albert I, 8th Prince of Thurn und Taxis (1867-1952). They were the parents of five sons, Franz Joseph (1893-1971), 9th Prince; Karl August (1898-1982), 10th Prince, Ludwig Philipp (1901-1933), Raphael (1906-1993) and Philipp (1908-1964)

This postcard is from circa 1908, a formal portrait of the Prince and Princess of Schönburg-Waldenburg.

Prince Otto Viktor (1882-1914) was the son of Hereditary Prince Otto Karl Victor, who died in 1888, and Princess Lucia of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. He was only 11 years old when he succeeded his grandfather, Otto Friedrich, as Prince of Schönburg-Waldenburg in 1893.

In 1903 Prince Viktor married Princess Eleonore of Sayn-Witttengenstein-Berleburg. He was killed in action in September 1914.

The couple were childless. The title and estates passed to his younger brother, Gunther. Viktor's sister, Princess Sophie, was the wife of Prince Wilhelm of Wied, elected as Prince of Albania.

In 1917, the widowed Princess Eleonore married Ludwig Wilhelm, Duke in Bavaria.

This card is from the 1920s. The Prince and Princess of Stolberg-Wernigerode are sitting for a family portrait with their children and grandchildren. Prince Christian-Ernst (1864-1940) married Countess Marie zu Castell-Rüdenhausen (1864-1842) in 1891. Their only son, Hereditary Prince Bolko (1893-1989) married Princess Renata of Schonaich-Caroloth (1899-1985) in 1920.

The two babies are Princess Walpurgis (1921-1992) and the future Prince of Stolberg-Wernigeride, Christian-Heinrich (1922-2001). Princess Renate is holding Christian-Heinrich with her husband standing behind her. Not sure which of the two women in the second row is Princess Juliane, Prince Bolko's sister. Not sure who the other woman is, as Bolko's other sister, Walpurgis, died as a child.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Princess Theodora at the 2009 wedding of Hereditary Prince of Carl-Christian of Solms-Hohensolms-Lich and Countess Camilla Douglas,, September 2009 @Anuschka Becker

HSH Princess Theodora of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg has pleaded not guilty to charges "alleged to have been committed at a St. Andrews University charity event" this past weekend.

The 27-year-old princess has been accused of calling police pedophiles and has been handed a series of charges, including assault and alleged 'breach of peace." The latter charge involves remarks about 'killing Muslims.'

The alleged incident took place on Saturday at a student-run Oktoberfest event, on Saturday, to raise funds for Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukemia, a local charity.

The incident has been reported in several British newspapers, including The Telegraph.

Princess Theodora is not a Bavarian, and there is no such town as Bad Lapsag in Bavaria or anywhere else in Germany.

The family home, Schloss Wittgenstein, in Bad Laasphe, is now a boarding school, although the family maintains a residence there.

She lives in Bad Laasphe, a town of just over 14,000 residents, in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Princess Theodora-Louise Victoria Juliana Yvonne is the youngest of four children of Prince Ludwig-Ferdinand of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg and Countess Yvonne Wachmeister af Johannishuis. She was born on December 29, 1986 at Marburg.

The princess has two older brothers and one older sister: Prince Carl-Albrecht, married to Camilla Schloesser Freiin Schenk von Stauffenberg; Princess Anna, the wife of Prince Manuel of Bavaria and Prince August-Frederik.

The only Bavarian princess in the family is Theodora's older sister. Theodora was one of Anna's bridesmaid at her 2005 wedding to Prince Manuel.

Prince Ludwig-Ferdinand is a first cousin of the head of Prince Richard, head of the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, who is married Princess Benedikte of Denmark.

THORPE

Marion, (née Maria Donata Nanetta Paulina Gustava Erwina Wilhelmina Stein)
died on March 6th 2014, peacefully in her sleep, aged 87. Her husband Jeremy,
her children David, James, Jeremy and Rupert, and her many grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and wider family all loved her dearly. Cremation will be at
Golders Green Crematorium on Saturday May 15th at 12 noon. Family and close
friends only. Flowers or donations to the Britten Pears Young Artists
Programme.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Queen Elizabeth II gave birth tonight to a son, reports the New York Times.

A bulletin signed by five physicians stated the Queen was "safely delivered" of a son at 8:20 this evening." Mother and baby are both doing well.

This is the third son and fourth child for Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. The new prince, whose name won't be made public for another few weeks, is third in line to the throne, after his two older brothers, Prince Charles, 15, and four-year-old Prince Andrew. Thirteen-year-old Princess Anne now moves into fourth place.

Queen Elizabeth II is 37 years old and has been the sovereign since 1952.

This is the second child born to a reigning sovereign since 1857. Prince Andrew was the first.

The baby was born at Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip gave the news to the palace's staff, and then telephoned Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and Prince Charles and Princess Anne, both of whom are at boarding school. The Prince of Wales attends Gordonstoun in Scotland and Princess Anne is a pupil at Benenden.

This is the second birth int he royal family this year. On February 29, Princess Alexandra, the Queen's first cousin, gave birth to a son.

Princess Margaret, the Queen's younger sister, and the Duchess of Kent, are both expecting babies in April and May, respectively.

The baby was placed "in the cream-colored cradle," which was made for his mother. Later, he will be "transferred to the Moses Basket," which belonged to Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth's grandmother.

Archduchess Ileana of Austria today addressed 3000 people "in a beer hall" near Mödling, Austria. She appealed to "the women of Austria" to support the Heimwehr government," reports the New York Times from Vienna.

"We have able leaders now, and we can envisage the future with confidence that our children will know happier days than we have known," she declared.

Ileana, who was born a Princess of Romania, spoke flawless German. She showed evidence "of the courage, initiative and rhetorical abilities" of her mother, the Dowager Queen Marie of Romania.

She is the first member of the Habsburg family to provide public support to the present government. Her husband, Archduke Anton, and Vice Chancellor Emil Fey, were in the audience, "who joined in the applause that punctuated her address."

Speaking on the difficult time Austria had "recently gone through," Ileana stated "We now know God was with us. Austria won."

She spoke about the need for peace and reconstruction. She asserted that the women of Austria could do "more than any others to bring this peace." She implored on them to join her to work "with all our hearts, all our love and all our energies for Austria."

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Nichole has passed on information about how Mortimer is doing. He has two broken legs, but no internal injuries, which is very good news. One leg is in a cast. Mortimer has to rest, and be immobilized for about 8 weeks to let both legs heal. Good luck with that, Nichole!

Mortimer might not like his mom right now, but I told her Mortimer will love her a lot longer.

Many of you read Luxarazzi, THE blog about the grand ducal family of Luxembourg (and the princely family of Liechtenstein). Nichole is one of the two young women who write the blog.

Veterinary medicine does not come cheap. Please feel free to share and spread the link. It is not a scam. I used GoFundMe when Buddy became very ill. Schools and churches make use of this site, which has proved to be a very good way to raise money to help out.

Friday, March 7, 2014

The Kings of Norway, Denmark and Belgium announced today they will attend the late King Paul of the Hellenes funeral on Thursday, reports Reuters.

In Washington, D.C., President Lyndon B. Johnson announced that the First Lady and former President Harry S. Truman "would represent the United States.

The body of the late king who died on Friday at the age of 62 after a "painful illness" rested in the Palace's throne room. He will be taken to the Cathedral on Monday, where he will lie in state until the funeral. Three weeks of official mourning was declared today.

King Olav V will represent Norway, according to announcement from Oslo. In Copenhagen it was announced that King Frederik IX, Queen Ingrid, and two of their three daughters, Princess Margrethe, heir to the throne, and 17-year-old Princess Anne Marie, will go to Athens.

Princess Anne Marie is the fiancée of King Constantine. The wedding was expected to take place in January 1965, but now may take place later this year.

In Brussels, it was announced King Baudouin will attend the funeral. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, a cousin of the late King Paul, is expected to attend, although no announcement has been made. Queen Elizabeth II will not be attending as she is expecting a fourth child later this month.

Tonight, King Constantine, Queen Mother Frederika and other members of the royal family, as well as staff, court officials and members of the royal household attend a "private memorial service" in the throne room.

King Edward VII has "inaugurated a new and clever practice" by appointing relatives to "posts of military attaches of his embassies to foreign courts," reports the Marquise de Fontenoy.

He nominated Maj. Count Gleichen to the position of military attaché at the embassy in Berlin. Now he is sending the Duke of Teck, "to fulfill duties of the same nature" at the British embassy in Vienna.

Count Gleichen, is the only son of Queen Victoria's nephew, Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, whose marriage to Laura Seymour, daughter of Admiral Sir George Seymour was morganatic. Not only is the count a cousin of King Edward and German Emperor Wilhelm II, he is also the first cousin of the German Empress, Auguste Viktoria, whose mother, Princess Adelheid, was Prince Victor's sister.

Count Gleichen has "exceptional advantages at the court of Berlin," as he is treated less "than a foreign diplomat and solider than as a near relative of the reigning house of Prussia."

The Duke of Teck will have an "equally agreeable position" in Vienna. He is the eldest brother of the Princess of Wales, King Edward's daughter-in-law. His mother, was the late Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge and his father, the late Duke of Teck, was the son of Duke Alexander of Württemberg and Hungarian Countess Claudine de Rhedey.

The Duke is a major in the Royal Horse Guards, and has seen "active service" in Egypt and South Africa. He is married to Lady Margaret Grosvenor, daughter of the late Duke of Westminster. Although his title was given to his father by the King of Württemberg, the present Duke of Teck has lived his entire life in England.

Crown Prince Alexander's mother was Princess Alexandra of Greece, a niece of Paul. She was buried at Tatoi until last spring when her remains were brought to Serbia for reburial.

Princess Tatiana Radziwill is the daughter of the late Princess Eugenie of Greece, the daughter of Prince George, uncle of King Paul. Count Hans-Veit zu Toerring-Jettenbach and Archduchess Helen of Austria are the children of Princess Elisabeth of Greece, second of three daughters of Prince Nicholas, uncle of King Paul and Grand Duchess Helen Vladimirovna of Russia.

The Margrave of Baden and Prince Ludwig of Baden are the two surviving children of the late Princess Theodora of Greece, second of four daughters of Prince Andrew, uncle of King Paul, and Princess Alice of Battenberg.

Prince Michael of Greece is the only child of the late Prince Christopher of Greece, who died when Michael was an infant, and Princess Francoise d'Orléans. King Paul became Michael's guardian after Princess Francoise's death in 1953.

Princess Welf-Heinrich of Hanover (nee Princess Alexandra of Ysenburg und Büdingen) is the widow of Prince Welf-Heinrich of Hanover, the youngest brother of late Queen Frederika, and, is King Paul's only surviving in-law.
No member of the British royal family (a descendant of the late Princess Marina of Greece, youngest daughter of Prince Nicholas, who married the Duke of Kent in 1934 or the former Prince Philip of Greece (HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh) was present for political reasons. Crown Princess Margarita of Romania, a granddaughter of King Paul's elder sister, Princess Helen, was in London for several official engagements, and was unable to attend the events in Greece.
The British were probably advised by the Foreign Office to not attend, for political reasons. This was why there was no member of the British royal family attended King Peter's State Funeral last May. I also did not see any descendants of Princesses Margarita and Sophie of Greece, eldest and youngest daughters of Prince Andrew, or Princess Olga, eldest daughter of Prince Nicholas. Paul Brandram, the only child of the late Princess Katherine, also appears to not have attended the event. He is a nephew of the late King Paul, and remains close to his first cousin, King Constantine.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

King Paul of the Hellenes died today from "post-operative complications," reports the New York Times.

His wife, Queen Frederika, was at his side when he died at 4:12 p.m., at Tatoi, the royal family's summer palace outside Athens.

King Paul was 62 years old.

Queen Frederika, "her eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep, wept bitterly" as she kissed her husband for the final time.

Three hours later, their only son, Crown Prince Constantine was "proclaimed king" at the palace in Athens. It is not yet known how the 23 year-old monarch will be styled. He could take the title Constantine XIII or Constantine II. His grandfather, "styled himself as Constantine XII to symbolize Greek's link with the Byzantine Empire."

The new king said: "I swear in the name of the Holy Trinity to defend the established religion of the Greek peoples, to guard the Constitution and laws of the Greek nation and to preserve and protect the national independence of the Greek state."

Marlene A Eilers Koenig Collection

King Paul had been ill "with blood cloths in the right left and left lung" following an operation two weeks ago for "stomach ulcers." He also suffered from kidney trouble.

The king's body will be removed from Tatoi and taken to the royal palace in Athens tomorrow. The court staff will then have the opportunity to pay their last respects. On Sunday, the body will be taken "in a solemn procession" to the Cathedral "to lie in state until the funeral.

King Constantine has "formally advised all heads of state of the news of his father's death." Many are expected to attend the funeral, although the date has not been announced.

His younger sister, Princess Irene, 22, is now the heiress presumptive to the throne. She is the first woman to be "next in line" to Greece's throne. Her duties will include "deputizing for the King when he is abroad." She will remain the Crown Princess until the King has an heir.

He is engaged to marry 17-year-old Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark. The wedding is expected to take place next January.

Prince Peter, a cousin of the late king, is second in line. Constantine's elder sister, Sophia, 26, renounced her rights to the throne, when she married in 1962 to Prince Juan Carlos of Spain.

In a broadcast tonight to the Greek people, King Constantine pledged to follow his father's teaching. "I succeed my father to the throne with the firm determination to follow his loft example and to draw inspiration from his virtues while carrying out my Constitutional duties.
"I pledge to serve my country with wholehearted devotion and all my powers as a vigilant guardian of the free institutions of the democratic regime My only thoughts and cares will always be the true and supreme interest of our fatherland."

Carl Eduard, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha died today in Coburg after a long illness, reports the Associated Press. He was 69 years old.

A grandson of Queen Victoria, Carl Eduard was born at Claremont in England, the posthumous son of the late Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, and Princess Helen of Waldeck und Pyrmont. He succeeded to the Albany dukedom at birth.

In 1899, the young Prince Charles Edward, Duke of Albany, then a pupil at Eton, became the heir to his paternal uncle, Prince Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, whose only son, Alfred, had committed suicide.

The young British princes was required to move to Germany, and be educated there. He succeeded as Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha following the death of his uncle in August 1900.

Although he retained his British royal title, Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, he was stripped of his peerages, when Parliament passed the Titles Deprivation Act in 1917. The duke had sided with Germany during the first World War.

After he lost his own dukedom in 1918, Carl Eduard and his family remained in Coburg. He was "an early supporter" of Adolf Hitler. In 1933, Hitler appointed him as a general in the Storm Troopers. He was also appointed president of the German Red Cross, and the Anglo-German Friendship Society.

In 1936, Hitler sent the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to England in an attempt to improve relations between the two countries. King George V was the Duke's first cousin. Carl Eduard's older sister, Princess Alice, was married to Queen Mary's brother, Alexander, the Earl of Athlone.

He remained in favor with Hitler until World War II.

After the end of war, the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was placed in an internment camp for a year and half by the Americans. A German denazification court "classified" him as a Nazi follower. He was heavily fine, and nearly went bankrupt.

The Duke of Sax-Coburg and Gotha died at his home on Elsässer Strasse in Coburg. He is survived by his wife, Viktoria Adelheid, and four of their five children, Johann Leopold, Sibylla, who is the widow of Hereditary Gustaf Adolf of Sweden, Princess Caroline Mathilide, and Prince Friedrich Josias. The middle son, Prince Hubertus, was killed in action in 1943.

The new duke is his youngest son, Prince Friedrich Josias, as the elder son, Prince Johann Leopold, married without his father's permission.

German Emperor Wilhelm II is expected to visit Lisbon this spring, according to dispatches from Lisbon to the New York Times. Many believe the Emperor is coming to Portugal to arrange a marriage between his only daughter, Princess Viktoria Luise and King Manoel.

An "early marriage" for the young king is seen as a "necessity of State," but it is reported that the British are opposed to such an alliance.

King Paul of the Hellenes (December 14, 1901-March 6, 1964) . Succeeded to the throne on April 1, 1947. Married at Athens on January 9, 1938 to Princess Friederike of Hanover. Three children: Sophie (11/2/1938), Constantine II (6/2/1940) and Irene (5/11/1942)

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

I must admit I have never heard or Thurston Moore nor his wife, Kim Gordon, but he admits cheating on her with book editor, Eva Prinz, who happens to be the estranged wife of Bernardo Guillermo, son of Princess Christina of the Netherlands. (Perhaps even divorced: who knows!)

Bernardo is a first cousin of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.

Moore said: "I'm in a really romantic place with Eva; we've kinda been a couple for close to six years. A lot of those years, nobody was very aware of it except us. The cat's been out of the bag a while now."

If this is the case, Thurston and Eva have been involved longer than Eva's marriage to Guillermo. She and Bernardo were married in March 2009 in New York City. Their first child, Isabel Christina was born on April 13, 2009. A second child, a son, Julián Jorge Guillermo, was born on September 21, 2011.

Prinz now lives with Moore in London, which means she and Bernardo are no longer together. If I were Bernardo, I would be wanting a DNA test for the two children. Seriously.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

In August 2012, Royal Mewsings readers and followers very kindly donated to Buddy's GoFundMe to help me with a very high medical bill. A good friend of mine is now in a similar situation with her cat, Mortimer, who suffered serious injuries from a car. Mortimer is a year old. Much loved.

Can you help Mortimer and his mom, Nichole? She needs to raise at least $800 for vet bills!

On behalf of our Mom, Marlene, and our late brother, Buddy, we say thank you very, very much.

This is not a scam. Many of you know Nichole, who is one of the two Luxarazzi bloggers. She mentioned to me about the GoFundMe for her kitty, and I asked her if I could do a post on Royal Musings. I explained that I also had used GoFundMe when I was hit with a huge vet bill. She agreed. I was happy to help. I know many of my readers are very generous! I do need to reiterate: this is not a scam.

Now available for purchase: a well-researched, footnoted article on the life of Grand Duke Michael Mikahilovich of Russia, whose marriage to Countess Sophie von Merenberg was unequal, but a love match. I wrote this piece some years ago for Royalty Digest, and now again available. The price is $5.00 (and will be sent to you as a PDF). Just click on the Buy Now link for purchase. Thanks.

The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins

My article, The Gleichens: the Unknown Royal Cousins, is now available through Kindle on Amazon, in all the Amazons' Kindle stores. This link is for US Amazon. The price is $9.99. Just visit your Amazon and go to the Kindle store, search for my article. The article runs more than 50 pages! And who were the Gleichens: Prince Victor of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (nephew of Queen Victoria) and his family. His marriage to Lady Laura Seymour was considered unequal, and his wife and children were created Countesses and Count Gleichen. A German title but very English people .... Feodora, Edward, Valda and Helena .. all talented and interesting people. True junior royals.

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All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without the prior approval of Marlene A. Koenig. You can, however, provide a link to the blog or to a post on the blog. Please credit Marlene A Koenig and Royal Musings. Thanks

Sources

The sources consulted for this blog include the New York Times, the Chicago Daily Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and The Times. I also consult books and other materials in my personal library. All the photos come from my personal collection, unless other noted.